People across Cheshire are being urged to use NHS 111 for non-emergency healthcare ahead of a six-day strike by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors.

The walkout, set to run from Tuesday 7 April to Monday 13 April 2026, is the 15th strike since the dispute began in March 2023.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said the strike is in response to a 3.5% pay rise proposed for this year, which it says does not keep pace with inflation or address the long-term shortfall in resident doctors' pay since 2008.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside's Executive Clinical Director, Dr Fiona Lemmens, said the strike will create challenges for services already dealing with high demand over the Easter Bank Holiday, which includes major events such as the Grand National.

Dr Lemmens urged the public to "continue using NHS services appropriately".

"The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage industrial action - but inevitably a walkout on this scale will lead to some service disruption," she said.

"You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency where someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

"But if you need urgent medical help and you're not sure where to go, use NHS 111 online or the NHS App to get assessed and directed to the right place for you."

advertisement

Resident doctors make up almost half of hospital doctors and work across A&E, surgical theatres, and wards, prescribing medication, supporting admissions and discharges, and maintaining patient flow.

NHS 111 is available 24/7 via phone, online, or the NHS App.

It can provide advice on symptoms, emergency prescriptions, dental care, repeat prescriptions, and appointments at urgent treatment centres, GP practices, or A&E. Callbacks from a nurse, doctor, or paramedic may also be arranged.

Dr Lemmens added that the NHS is working to minimise the impact on planned care and asked patients to attend scheduled appointments unless contacted directly.

Local NHS services will update the public on any disruption via their websites and social media.